East County Jr. Fair BBQ & Auction raises funds

Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian, always starts out his jokes with the phrase “You might be a redneck if,” and then goes on to list various reasons why one would qualify as a redneck.

There were plenty of participants proud to be called rednecks attending the East County Jr. Fair BBQ and Auction on March 17 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds.
Instead of the traditional green attire, cowboy boots, hats, tight jeans, bib overalls and John Deere T-shirts were the dress of the day.

Folks came from far and wide to bid on the hundreds of auction items that had been donated by local businesses and families. They also came to eat the delicious barbecue dinner that was prepared and served by the 4-H and

Future Farmers of America kids and families.
It was standing room only for the auction. The stage area was brimming with auction items, including handmade and unique gift ideas such as pig feeders, apple trees, SeaWorld passes, horse supply buckets, antiques, International Harvester windmill, John Deere bar stool, Rocky Home Dairy case of milk bottles, Buck knives, round of golf, bucket of Cowboy Magic, horse blankets, saddles, horseshoe planters and a basket of John Wayne CD movies, to name a few.

There were also some less traditional country items on the block as well. Matt Gorham was the fast-talkin’ auctioneer and he kept things moving along quickly. When his mouth got tired of fancy talk, Sam Walker, a former ag teacher, helped him out while he rested his tongue in time to dine on the delicious barbecue dinner.
In addition, the 4-H and FFA students and Miss Rodeo, Miss Lakeside, Miss Julian and Miss Ramona kept busy walking around showing off the auction items to the bidders.

The big money-maker items auctioned off that day included a Taylor guitar, which sold for $1,600, a SeaWorld baluga whale swim encounter, which brought in $800, a Big Bear cabin getaway, which brought in $800, and a handmade quilt, made by longtime quilt donor Shirley Dyer. Her quilt was sold to Kelly and Ben Turlock from Campo for a whopping $9,200. According to longtime Jr. Fair volunteer Don Hickle, “It’s a special thing to be an owner of one of Shirley Dyer’s quilts.”

Co-chairwomen Cathy Quick and Karen Collins took on the role of the hard working folks who collected all the auction items, and even stored them in their homes while waiting for the event to take place. It was indeed a labor of love, and it showed because they had acquired many very expensive and handmade items by contacting local businesses and citizens.

Quick said that 50 to 60 volunteers were working that day. “It takes a village to put on this event, no one is a star and I love that.” She also said that when the final count is done, they are hoping the amount raised will be $35,000.

Funds generated from the auction will help support the East County Jr. Fair, which will take place at the Rodeo Grounds from May 11 through May 18. Animals raised by the 4-H and FFA students will be judged and auctioned off to the public at that time.